NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, installed MGen. Luis Rex D. Bergante as the new Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) succeeding MGen Jose Ma Cuerpo II, the Acting Commander, in a Change of Command Ceremony on June 7. Gen. Brawner urged MGen. Bergante to maximize the capabilities of Brigade Commanders and emphasized the importance of professionalism and strategic thinking in addressing both internal and external security threats. MGen. Bergante reflected on his previous achievements as the 1001st Brigade Commander, underscoring the importance of genuine community engagement and post-conflict reconciliation. He emphasized the need for a sincere commitment to helping communities and improving people’s lives. Before his current role, MGen. Bergante served in various key positions and led the Philippine Army’s prestigious educational institution responsible for honing soldiers’ professionalism and performance excellence, the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Philippine Army. MGen Bergante is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy “Bigkis-lahi” Class of 1990 and graduated number 7 in his class.#

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) formally handed over the cash donation to the House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer Inc., at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City on May 17.
 
The handover ceremony, dubbed "Sharing is Caring, Spread HOPE through gift giving", was made possible through the initiative of LtGen. Almerol with the support of his loving wife, Ms. Lynette Almerol, and the Team EastMinCom in partnership with SM Supermalls, who donated toys and educational items to the kids in the House of Hope.
 
During the program, LtGen. Almerol, alongside Ms. Lynette, handed over a check worth P200,000.00 to the House of Hope Foundation through its representatives led by Ms. Arleen Aportadera, the House of Hope Foundation Fundraising Manager along with the HOH Board members and Doctors present. The beneficiary children and their parents also witnessed the ceremonial handover.
 
For the past three years, EastMinCom has raised a donation through a charity golf tournament called Drive for Hope. As part of his advocacy, LtGen. Almerol personally selected House of Hope as the beneficiary to support the medication of children with cancer.
 
Further, Ms. Aportadera expressed her gratitude to LtGen. Almerol and to Team EastMinCom for the initiative of conducting a charity golf tournament for the benefit of the House of Hope Foundation.
 
"I hope this Drive for Hope Golf Tournament will continue to be part of your community service and having the children with cancer your beneficiary," Ms. Aportadera said.
 
Moreover, Dr. Cheryl Lyn Diez also emphasized that the Command’s initiative was led by LtGen. Almerol is a huge help for the Doctors, especially to kids being treated in the House of Hope. 

"I would like to express our gratitude to Eastern Mindanao Command under the leadership of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, and his better half, Ma’am Lynette, thank you so much for always choosing House of Hope Foundation to be the beneficiary of the Drive for Hope. Thank you so much for giving hope to kids with cancer, and hopefully maulit pa. We are happy na nandito kayo, Sir, kasi we can now focus more on our management with the patients. We can focus more on their medical treatment. Kaya, we are happy na nandiyan kayo to help us on the other side. Thank you so much for always sharing your blessings," she said.
 
Meanwhile, EastMinCom Commander underscores the dedication of the doctors and staff of the House of Hope Foundation in helping the kid’s battling cancer. He also emphasized that it has been his advocacy to serve the community and help the kids battling with their illnesses, making sure they receive the necessary medication and assistance.

“Pangtulo na ni ka tuig nga ang Eastern Mindanao Command nag conduct ug Golf-for-a-Cause wherein ang atong mga beneficiary ang House of Hope. It started 3 years ago, and every year since I assumed the Command, we are doing it kada birthday nako. I'm really happy nga makita ang atong mga bata diri sa House of Hope, and hopefully in different capacity, even if I'm retired in the service, I will continue to support the House of Hope. In whatever capacity I will have afterwards, I will always be part of this noble cause samtang naa pa ta'y kaya ikatabang. I will exert all my capacity para makatabang sa House of Hope,” he said.

He also expressed his gratitude to Team EastMinCom for the support throughout his incumbency and for the dedication to helping the House of Hope. Thus, he is always grateful especially to the House of Hope for the opportunity to become part of the foundation’s noble cause. He also encouraged the parents of children with cancer to never lose hope and always tighten their faith in God.

“Once again, daghang salamat sa Team EastMinCom at sa lahat ng leaders and staff ng House of Hope, for the opportunities we have shared together for the past 3 years. Sana ang bonding na iyon ay magtuloy-tuloy not only sa mga golf tournament, but in other avenues where we could share more lalong-lalo na for the benefit ng ating mga kabataan na may cancer. Ug sa mga ginikanan nga naa diri kauban ang ilang mga anak, we are with you to share your pain. Ayaw kawala sa pagtoo, ang atong Ginoo is always with us, with you, and helping you ug ang inyong mga bata nga ma overcome nila ang ilang mga sakit. Just always pray and God will always help you and bless you,” LtGen. Almerol added.

After the turnover of the cash donation to the House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer Inc., Dr. Diez led LtGen. Almerol and Ms. Lynette to a tour of the SPMC Children's Cancer Institute.#

 

Source: Public Informations Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) facilitated a Charity Golf Tournament called Drive for Hope 3.0 held at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club, Brgy. Mandug, Davao City on May 11.
 
In line with advocacy of the EastMinCom Commander, LtGen Greg T Almerol, the golf tournament seeks to generate donations for the House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer, Inc., to support the medication of children. Proceeds will directly contribute to providing vital medical assistance and support to the young warriors battling cancer.
 
The tournament featured various activities and exciting prizes generously donated by different stakeholders. Participants enjoyed the networking opportunities and a banquet dinner afterward.
 
During the event, Mrs. Arleen Aportadera, House of Hope Foundation Fundraising Manager, expressed her appreciation for the Command's initiative led by LtGen. Almerol in supporting both the foundation and the children it serves.
 
"On behalf of the children with cancer all over Mindanao, their families, and the House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer Inc., thank you so much. Thank you for being with us in making a difference in the lives of this children with cancer, " she said.
 
Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol expressed his gratitude to the House of Hope Foundation for giving them the opportunity and joy to help. He also thanked Team EastMinCom for its collective efforts and dedication to making the Drive for Hope 3.0 a successful event. Additionally, he thanked the sponsors and stakeholders for supporting the initiative.
 
"With deep gratitude and a heart filled with warmth, I express my sincerest thanks to every one of you for your unwavering support and active participation in the Drive for Hope 3.0 EastMinCom Charity Golf Tournament. Your collective efforts and generosity have once more illuminated the path of hope for those in need within our community. This golf tournament will be my last as the Commander of EastMinCom, and hopefully, the next Commander will continue the legacy of conducting golf tournaments for the benefit of the kids with cancer under the House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer Incorporated," LtGen. Almerol said. 
 
Drive for Hope 3.0 marks the third charity golf event spearheaded by LtGen Almerol, aiming to support children battling cancer at the House of Hope Foundation.#

 

Source: Public Informations Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) under the leadership of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol conducted this year’s Reserve Force Joint Training Exercise (RFJTEX) “Hiniusang Pagbansay” 2024 at Camp Kibaritan, Sitio Malinao, Kalilangan, Bukidnon, on May 3 to 5.

The activity is a 3-days joint training exercise participated by the Ready Reserve Units (RRUs) and Affiliated Reserve Units (ARUs), along with the regular forces in coordination with the Joint Task Forces (JTFs) and Reserve Force Administrators under EastMinCom Joint Operational Area (JOA).

RFJTEX features Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Operations (HADRO) and Warfighting Capability demonstrations simulated through the actual mobilization of different major service RRUs and regular forces from different Joint Task Forces (JTFs) following the Force Provider-Force Employer Concept of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

As the AFP is slowly shifting to territorial defense, RFJTEX aim to Enhance the readiness level of major services RRUs, improve the interoperability of command-and-control systems, and ensure smooth integration of the AFP Reserve Force with regular forces under EastMinCom JOA's on-ground training.

Representing 4th Infantry Division (4ID) Commander, MGen. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo, Col Ted B. Domosmog, the Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retirees Affairs (ADCRRA) of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Diamond, graced the Opening Ceremony of RFJTEX on May 3, highlighted the crucial role of the reservists as force multipliers of the AFP and stressing the significance of readiness and capabilities within the Reserve Force when called to active duty.

“Today, we embark on a journey of readiness and capability enhancement that exemplifies the essence of resilience and preparedness. Our goal is to refine your operational plans and coordination mechanisms, ensuring that we can swiftly respond to any imminent threats, regional crises, and emergencies that may arise within the Eastern Mindanao Command's JOA. To the reserve force, your commitment and dedication to our country's defense is truly commendable,” he said.

Further, Col. Domosmog spearheaded the Closing Ceremony of the RFJTEX 2024 on May 5 and read the message of MGen. Joel Alejandro S. Nacnac, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Reservist and Retiree Affairs, J9, emphasizing the Reserve Force’s immense dedication, sacrifice, synergy of efforts and unwavering commitment to excellence within the Armed Forces.
“The significance of this achievement cannot be understated, for it represents the embodiment of preparedness, adaptability, and resilience in the face or ever-evolving challenges. In the face of military operations, it is often said that the measure of true strength lies not only in the capabilities of the active forces but also in the readiness and effectiveness of our reserve components embodying the spirit of citizen-soldiers who answer to the call of duty as the base for the expansion.” MGen. Nacnac stated.

Moreover, representing the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Region 10, retired Col. Gilbert H. Conde, the Acting Regional Director, Chief of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMO) and the OSOCD Region 10, served as one of the evaluators, rated the reservists' performance 7 out of 10 and praised the reserve force’s readiness and capabilities in HADR and warfighting scenario.

Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol commended the individuals behind the success of the RFJTEX, emphasizing the reservists' role as force multipliers of the AFP. He also praised the reservist’s dedication and efforts in fulfilling their duties, recognizing their invaluable contribution to the AFP.

“Your dedication and commitment were crucial to overcoming the challenges we face in Eastern Mindanao, particularly during crisis of natural calamities. As we move towards Territorial Defense Operations, our focus is on the development of our reserve force. Thus, your unwavering service has been instrumental in this endeavor. Thank you for your support and dedication to our Reserve Force's success. Mabuhay ang Laang Kawal!” LtGen. Almerol said.#

 

Source: Public Informations Office, Eastern Mindanao Command